This might be an alternative. At $90 each though, you might as well buy a proper pfd. I could see them having a place though.

Might keep you alive but looks like it would be tough to swim with it.

It can't help keep you warm when it's cold though.

I doubt people would actually wear this. Fine theory to have your kids wear it while in the pool, etc. but can you imagine the fight to get that done?

Great in theory but where are people going to have this sucker? If people won't wear a life jacket, are they actually going to wear this on their wrist?

quote PortageKeeper: " I could see them having a place though."

The only place I can see for this product is the reject bin.

Doesn't do you much good if you have to consciously activate it. (part of) the point of a PFD is to keep you afloat if you're unable consciously get to or maintain the surface (yes, also to keep you from having to expend too much energy to stay afloat, but that little balloon isn't going to be of much use in that regard either.

I can see it being of use for a surfer who gets discombobulated in a rip tide or somesuch, but otherwise I don't see a lot of use for it.

just an FYI, no lifeguard manned beach I know of would allow them, especially on a kid

It might make recovery easier, or keep your hand out of the water. I want to keep my torso and head afloat however.

Why not just use the type of these that go around the neck? Like this one I've seen them for $90 at gander mountain several times and they seem compact. It looks good for hunting or canoeing. I would much rather have that than a piece of crap on my wrist.

I bought this on sale for $54 in december some time. It doesnt weigh much and comes with a back up co2 cartridge. They are not to be used water skiing etc but I wanted something for when I am in the canoe. Automatically inflates if water comes in from the bottom (if you tip your canoe) This is can be inflated manually as a back up. You also dont really realize that you are wearing it. And I can leave it on when I portage so one less thing to carry and WAY less cumbersome than a traditional pfd.

West Marine inshore pfd

I'm wondering if I put one on each ankle if I would shoot out of the water like an ICBM? That would be pretty cool.

quote Jaywalker: "I'm wondering if I put one on each ankle if I would shoot out of the water like an ICBM? That would be pretty cool. "

+10

If it automatically activates, it's slightly more useful. Are these sufficient to replace a traditional PFD in terms of state and local laws?

quote BuckFlicks: "Are these sufficient to replace a traditional PFD in terms of state and local laws?"

Dare I say....don't hold your breath.

The state park where I paddle most would simply chuckle as they wrote up the citation for not having a life preserver or flotation device.

quote BuckFlicks: "

quote Jaywalker: "I'm wondering if I put one on each ankle if I would shoot out of the water like an ICBM? That would be pretty cool. "

+10


If it automatically activates, it's slightly more useful. Are these sufficient to replace a traditional PFD in terms of state and local laws?"

NO, that is stated in the product information. And a tip for USCG approved inflatables, they must be worn to be considered a PFD. Not just stowed in the canoe/boat.

butthead

quote Jaywalker: "I'm wondering if I put one on each ankle if I would shoot out of the water like an ICBM? That would be pretty cool. "

After spinning you around in the water and yanking your foot to the surface there is a chance it would drown you instead.

quote BuckFlicks: "Doesn't do you much good if you have to consciously activate it. (part of) the point of a PFD is to keep you afloat if you're unable consciously get to or maintain the surface "

Great point

quote Jaywalker: "I'm wondering if I put one on each ankle if I would shoot out of the water like an ICBM? That would be pretty cool. "

Now that's funny stuff there.

Not Coast Gaurd approved, does not keep your head above water, costly, I think I'll take a pass on this one. Anyone in my group who does not wear thier PFD gets left at the landing. Trust me on this one.